triumphgal

October 31, 2023

I got myself ready and headed to the office. It was a day of payroll and necessities but mostly, gratitude to get all my obligations done.

I was finished in time to get home and set up everything for the evening. I moved my fire pit to the front, got the fire going, put my Jack light under the carport, masks on my lights, candy in my Darth holder and invited Tracey over. We had around 60 kids between 5:45 and 8:30. It was nice to see everyone appreciating the fire and coming to warm up. Really, it was a great night.

October 30, 2023

I did it, short of payroll tomorrow and a few random client assists tomorrow, I have completed all I had to for October. I worked until around 7 as I had to talk long with a client to get him to figure out some of the details so I could post and reconcile. I did take a break to carve a pumpkin or more accurately Drill a pumpkin. I also had my lunch that I made last night. Then I buckled down and got it done. I am relieved.

I am tired, but also content. That is a very good feeling.

October 29, 2023

I did have a sleep in and a relax and a chore time before heading off to buy cat food and get to the office. I thought it would be best to alleviate some of the stress of tomorrow. Well, over 7 hours later, I made my way home. My car was very frosted up when I went to leave and I hadn’t realized how cold my feet had gotten. It took a while to get them feeling normal again once I was home. As it was 9 pm, I decided to make food but not eat it tonight. I made a snack and it was tempting to eat the meal I prepared as it smelled so good but it was too late at night for that. I am looking forward to tomorrows meals. And, I am very grateful I got as much done as I did today.

Oh, and I had the weirdest email style comment on an old post on Facebook, it was so long that I couldn’t even capture it in one screen. He is blocked and reported… just so random

October 29, 2023

I relaxed for the morning, drinking coffee and watching my shows. I was trying to decide what to do next, go to the office or build my carport when I laughed and accepted the suggestion by the guy that I take a day off and not go to the office.

So, that is what I did, got out in the cool fall air and started working. The dentist called to see if I could come early as they had a cancellation.

Before that I drove through A&W, picked up lunch and went to visit Mom. While I was there, I paid her bills and took care of outstanding things. It was good to catch up.

The change in the dentist time worked out perfectly as I ran to get my cleaning after lunch and then came back to get building. I was part way into it when my neighbour, Tracey, became available and I truly couldn’t have done it without her. It is not perfect, but half is done and I am so thrilled. I am also in a lot of pain. It was hard on my hand and elbow. Self drilling screws do not always go in easily.

I made a nice dinner and then headed to the The Stage Door to see Don’t Dress For Dinner. I was very impressed with the show. It is awesome when I can honestly say that all performers carried their roles with aplomb. It was also interesting as the play was done in black and white, like an old time movie. This is something I have always wanted to try. It is interesting how much the actors mouths show in colour!

When the show was over, I headed to Encore for the Halloween Bash with Pretty For the People. It was a lot of fun and great to hang with my daughters and son-in-law. Roger came in second in the costume contest as The Chicken Man and our friend Maddi and her friend won as the Step-Brothers. I decided to go wearing my Founder’s jacket and act like I owned the place. The funny thing was, I lined up for a drink and a server way down the bar saw me, waved the Crown Royal bottle and said I’ll start you a tab. The rest of the night went that way, I didn’t have to wait at all. Membership has it’s privileges, lol.

All in all, it was a great day and I think I shall enhance my evening in order to get a good sleep.

October 27, 2023

I woke stupid early, chatted for a bit with the guy and then fell back asleep for two hours. That was a deep sleep that I could have stayed in for days. Unfortunately, the alarm went off…

I managed to get a great deal done, including picking up Mom’s pills before heading home to get on a dress and prettied up. I went back to the office and wrote my speech in case we won. Fisher Peak Performing Artist Society is up for Excellence in Arts, the first year it is being awarded. I felt strongly that the Community Theatre was going to win it.. and they did. I am happy for them. I did have a good speech though, lol. Rae-Anne got up to accept the award for FireHall Kitchen and Tap. She did a good job. It was exciting to see Aleatha win two awards for Ella’s, a Jamaican restaurant that they began just as Covid hit. Surviving that and even moving into a gorgeous new location, employing around 25 people in the community was rewarded as Business Person of the Year. She is a lovely human and I am so happy she got the recognition.

It was funny when Morchella Market won for new business, a category that Encore was in, and when the group went up, Blaire, the kitchen manager when Encore opened, was carrying one of their beer with her. It was clearly on purpose and a great shout out to her previous crew.

I am so looking forward to no alarm in the morning, must go see Mom and have a visit and do a few chores, deliver her pills etc before going into the office again until my dentist appointment.

October 26, 2023

I got up and made my meal from Hello Fresh so that I would have food today and tomorrow. I was glad I did as I worked my tail off and ate a late lunch which was so god that I am looking forward to tomorrow already.

Just before I left for work I remembered that my car gives stats. It is a monthly report. I was surprised it was slightly less Km than I had calculated but there is no doubt I put a lot on this month and it isn’t even over yet.

I was amused by a woman who works in the building modeling her costume. Not something you look up from your desk to see just any day.

I raced to my brow appointment and then popped home to feed Missy and brush my teeth before heading to Key City Theatre. Seems they needed me tonight. I am one of the few who can run a busy bevie and snack booth single handed. It was a sure test of that as it was a country show and those fans do like to drink, lol. I had a blast, got lots of great love and connection and I could hear Tim Hicks who I do not know but he’s hounded good. By the end my arm was super hot and throbbing so I didn’t stay to watch. Galen needed a ride home and since he runs the joint, it was my opportunity to head out. I am not sure whether heat or ice or anything at all would help so I am going to rest it and put some Indian medicine on it for the night.

Today was also spent getting into deeper conversation with the man. I think I will want to video chat this weekend if he is available because I want to be sure there is something to follow up on. There are a few things that scare me but also many that intrigue me. Plus I just happen to think he is a Silver Hottie. I hope he doesn’t have a squeaky voice, lol.

October 25, 2023

I had a weird and interesting day as I was communicating off and on with a guy for a while now who is working in Belgium but moving to Edmonton in December. I have had great communication until I asked him to take a selfie with a landmark so I would know he is who he is. He got offended… I don’t want to go into the details until it is either proven he is not who he says or it is a funny story we tell years from now. Don’t worry, I have all my spider senses working.

After a long day of data entry, I went to the rental group meeting I have been peripherally involved with. I was glad I did as there was the Mayor and several top city officials there to explain the city plans coming up as to revitalization and housing. They were very informative and I was so glad to be there. I look forward to reading all the new info coming out soon as to our Official Community Plan, etc.

I spent the last couple hours updating my YouTube channel with the music videos I have taken. It was instigated by the musician from last night reaching out to see if I would send him the video I took! I said yes in exchange for permission to post on my channel. I still have to upload my Vegas trip videos but got caught up on everything up to then. I forgot how much work it is if you leave it go too long, lol

I do feel like I have broken the back of the work I have to do this month so that is comforting.

October 24, 2023

The last time I recorded snow this year was April 4th, which means we have made it just over 6 months between snowfalls!

This morning I was stepping out of the shower when I heard my friend’s voice. I was impressed with the message she delivered

I had a phone call appointment with my Dr who was pleased to tell me that my levels pointing to Diabetes were extremely good. No issues with my liver either. The cholesterol level is right on the line between low and moderate. He said he put all the stats into a calculator and i have a 10% chance of stroke or heart issues in the next decade. I feel really good about those odds and will make any diet changes and fully quit smoking which will drop the percentage by a good amount. Not bad for a 60 year old broad, lol.

I did a few chores after work and then headed to Encore to meet with Rae, Ash and Dee-Anne to see Leeroy Stagger. He is the grandson of my dear, dear friend, Patsy (RIP) from Salt Spring Island. I made sure to wear my MusicFest T with his name on the back from 2022 when he played there. It turns out that he and the band are staying at Ashlée’s apartment! I went up to him and before I had an opportunity to explain who I and she was, he said Hi! I know you, what is your name. That made me happy and I showed him the last picture we took together before taking another. The evening was lovely and there was a good crowd for a Tuesday night in Cranbrook. He gave me a button for my bag at the end of the night.

I also ran into Tyrel Hawke who is always ready with a great smile

October 22, 2023

I got up and worked my way through a rainy day doing laundry and other household chores. My nails were way too long so I called at noon when the salon opened and made an appointment for 3 to get a fill. My arm is feeling no worse for using it so much yesterday and seems to get a bit better each day, thankfully.

When I headed out for my appointment I noticed that there were no long pieces to finish building my carport. In my hurry, I thought at least four pieces had been stolen and I was gutted. It really hit me hard emotionally as I tried to come up with an affordable solution. Once my nails were done, which I love in orange and sparkly black, I reached back home to check the direction book. I was truly relieved to find that Monica had read the directions wrong and we had put the ‘missing’ pieces onto the two arches we already made. My adrenaline made me undo them and build the other two arches before I went in the house. i made dinner which helped as I hadn’t eaten properly, likely contributing to my over reaction.

I was at Key City for 6:45 to run bar for a comedy show. IT was three indigenous comedians and most of the audience were from Ktunaxa Nation. I had a great visit with the two main acts before hand, laughing that they have always wanted to stay at the Clown Motel and will make a point of it after our talk. I enjoyed all of the show, they had toned down the crudity and it suited the audience well. I felt bad for them trying to get interactions going though, tough crowd. OF course it being a Sunday night 8 pm show, there wasn’t a lot of action at the bar, but they were great tippers and I was sure to let them know it was appreciated as it goes to our volunteer party.

Mary hopes I will be available for a couple gigs this week, but I will have to make sure all my work is done first.

October 21, 2023

I picked up Monica just before 11 and off we went to bottle 4 batches of wine. One for each of us and 2 to split. We had a fabulous time, catching up and getting it done. After we dropped hers off we headed to my place to unload. There was an extremely strong smell of gas so I called the emergency line again. The Fortis guy showed up in short order to discover the the hose connection on my side of the meter was damaged. As he had changed the regulator last week, he felt that one did not necessarily cause the other but he fixed it for free which was a blessing and again, I didn’t go boom!

Monica stayed for a couple hours to help me start building my carport and wow is it solid. I definitely got the good quality one I had hoped for. It has a few scratches that I am sure happened in transit as the three boxes were so heavy (glad I got free shipping from Wayfair) but I will touch it all up with the proper paint when it is done. We got a good start on it and recruited Tracey to come help us hopefully finish it off tomorrow as we both feel it will take three of us to get it together. I am so looking forward to my car not being covered in snow every morning and it will be good coverage for the jeep come next summer. Monica and I work well together and we called on all our girl power to get things done.

After I dropped her back home, I relaxed for a bit and then headed to Key City Theatre for ‘Walk me to the corner, an evening to celebrate Brent Carver’ I am so glad I got a ticket. I was blessed to have been the only non-family member at his family gathering when he passed during August of 2020, the height of Covid restrictions. I ran lights and sound for it and from the booth I was very moved. It took over three years to make tonight’s event happen and I wish everyone could have made time to be there. For a boy from Cranbrook to have soared to the heights of the Theatre world as he did is astonishing. The whole evening was top notch with film clips from producers and even Chita Rivera! Nora McLellan, currently in Son of A Critch, came and gave a beautiful tribute, sharing a funny story sent by a friend of theirs. Jim Cameron and Barry Coulter, two local actors gave the intros and did a spectacular job. It was all very impressive and well showcased Brent’s success on TV, in movies, at Stratford, in Toronto, on Broadway and in London. They had all his award out and I was gobsmacked. The Tony award was the most stunning, something he and Chita both received for Kiss of A Spiderwoman.

And my favourite pic of the day that I received by text, my kids in Vancouver together

October 20, 2023

Wake, work, rest. Blah, blah, blah

I mulled on why I am so happy when on the road, no matter where I live or where I am at in my life.

It suddenly occurred to me that in the company of complete strangers I am none other than my own true self, and she is a happy, energy sharing, uplifting human. I don’t have to have my brain working 100 miles an hour, don’t have to try to figure out if I know you, if I should remember who you are, should know the details that prove I was listening and care.

The reality, being stuck in an empath (and concussed) brain makes me let things go as quick as I can often. This makes it complicated to live in a small city. I worry constantly that someone will be offended that I don’t remember them, especially when they greet me with enthusiasm. I am involved in many things and sometimes… it’s just too much. I want to engage, to enjoy, to just be…

and so I go away, and I engage with strangers in an even swap of intellect and energy that fills both of us. So, that is how it is, I have my one person, the one who will remind me who the other is and how I know them, who will hold my memories with me.. or I be straight up and just tell people I am sorry but how do I know you… to often horrible reactions… or I roam and leave memories and gather positive energy wherever I go… THIS, this is what fills my tank. This is why I blog so I can be in the moment, write it down to revisit, and really, just be me.

This is also one of the reasons I left Theatre school as I figured out that to be a success, it was all about networking. Schmoozing, this I can do, deep talk, also, but the in between, this I struggle with.

October 19, 2023

The month is slipping away but I am getting a lot done so am trying to keep the stress at bay. My guts are very unhappy with me for the last 7 days at least. I even took a Covid test tonight just to be sure. I suppose I could have picked up a bug of some kind on the journey, it’s just not something I usually experience. I am drinking lots of water and eating properly though, the weight has even started to come off again, yay!

Dinner didn’t look as great as the picture but it did taste good and is pretty healthy. I am tired, so I will rest well tonight I hope. My arm wasn’t as bad today. That’s a win.

I feel bad for Rae-Anne and Ashlée as they planned a sister trip to see Pink in Vancouver. They flew out yesterday to return on Sunday. Today Pink announced she is sick and the shows are postponed or cancelled. What a disappointment when they have been looking forward to it for months and months.

October 18, 2023

A multitasking day again, much volunteer work, much book work and some fun when I left an EdFest meeting to see two bucks playing in the school field. I did get my results online and do not have Diabetes, but cholesterol is a bit high. I am not terribly surprised as I need to start eating better again, cut out processed food, etc. I have gained back 10 of the pounds I lost and am determined to get that gone again. It will be interesting to hear what the Dr has to say. My elbow is really bad today and I suspect that is what kept waking me up last night. It even hurt to wear a jacket, but the weather requires it now.

I managed to squeeze in getting both my MRNA and Flu shot this morning. It feels good to be protected for the winter.

October 17, 2023

I got a call from the Dr’s office first thing to come for an appointment at 11:30. On the way to the office I stopped at the Lab and got bloodwork done. Time to find out if I have high cholesterol or Diabetes, sigh. So far I have dodged those bullets. I was lucky to be in and out in 15 minutes without an appointment. Back at the office I got a lot done until it was time to walk over to the Dr. It was a beautiful day and I was in in no time, where he delivered the news that I had actually chipped something in my elbow. He wasn’t sure if it was calcium build up from previous ‘tennis elbow’ or bone but felt I should just rest it and let it heal. I probably shouldn’t have continued for an hour on the Segway, drove another 5000+ Km, packed bags and cooler, done yard work when I returned, BUT it was all worth it and I have a high pain tolerance. Rest is in order as I need to get a manicure due to my nails being long enough to make keying mistakes and I can’t imagine resting my elbow on the table to get it done. Dr. Wolff told me to wait and let my body tell me when to rest. All I know is it is more sore today from using it too much on Sunday…. I am going to apply some ‘Indian Medicine’ that I was gifted when I lived in Bella Bella. I totally forgot I have it but I think it is the perfect solution.

I walked and got a delicious lunch from Max’s, a ham sandwich and pea soup. Just what I needed to fuel me up for all the work.

I did accomplish a lot and took a few minutes in between to surf for couches, just for fun.

Once I got home, I made a delicious Hello Fresh meal and relaxed, tomorrow with be full again as I lucked into a single available appointment for my MRNA and Flu vaccines at 9:20 tomorrow. I still am amazed that I have not gotten sick after Vegas aside from some stomach issues which I think are mostly from holding in my gas around my travel mate, lol.

October 16, 2023

I was so happy to get the call from my Dr at 8 this morning. He had read all my charts and history and determined it was just time to get a little blood work done. I also asked if it was a good idea to get my elbow x-rayed as it was still hurting to touch. He said it was likely nothing serious but the fact that neither of us have x-ray vision, I should come in and get one done. He has a tech in his office! I received that call just before 9:30 as I was arriving at my office so I popped over and got it done. I haven’t had a call back about it yet so I suspect that is good news. The day was crazy busy with payroll and catching up on email. It was not without its frustrations but I maintained my happy place.

I smelled gas outside my place again yesterday which I had noticed before I left but when I asked others they couldn’t smell it. I called Fortis, my natural gas provider and they considered it an emergency and sent a person out. He called when he got there as I was at work and I told him where my spare key was. Not too much later he called me back to say there was a substantial leak and he had to replace the regulator. He had done so and gone in to restart my furnace and hot water heater. What great service… and what a relief!!!

After work I planned to go to Mom’s and bring her the Huckleberry Salt Water Taffy that I bought her. I know that candy is her favourite. It was still her dinner time so I stopped at Encore to find a bunch gathered to celebrate the sale of Arby’s. Addison and Ian had made the coolest awards for the 4 owners and Rae-Anne. It was a lovely time.

I stopped to see Mom and had a happy little visit. She was glad to see that my happy self was back.

October 15, 2023

I woke rested at my usual alarm time and just relaxed and enjoyed my coffee as I caught up on a few of my shows. It was nice to visit with Missy and just zone out. Eventually I got outside and took pictures of my pergola to advertise for free and asked for a quick pick up. I them began mowing and pruning and mulching and weeding. I was stunned to finally pull out a rose stalk that has appeared to be dead for two summers now, and find a huge new growth from the bottom wound in the weeds. I cleaned out the area and gave it a trellis and mulched it in hope of beautiful roses next year. My friend Bear, his wife and sweet baby, Coda, showed up to dismantle and take away the pergola to put over their hot tub. We had a nice visit and I hung all my Halloween décoré once they left. Tracey came over with a couple beer and we had a good catch up. I was so thrilled to see that she and her son had taken away all my transfer station stuff while I was gone. She really is the best neighbour I have had and I am glad I bought her a few items while I was away. I settled in my jammies, had a bit of dinner and got a message from Rae that it was her last shift and there was a photo shoot at 9. I got dressed in my Arby’s Christmas shirt and headed down. It was good to see so many folks, get a few pics of my own, have nice visit and a cuddle with Raj’s baby girl before heading home. It was a nice respite day before heading into the fray of the rest of the month